Hard tag applicator

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for coupling a tag to an item. The methods comprise: dispensing the tag from a tag feeder of a tag applicator; performing first operations by the tag applicator to mechanically move the tag into a nest of the tag applicator; determining if a given criteria is met based on feedback information received from at least one of a user of the tag applicator and a sensor provided with the tag applicator; and performing second operations by the tag applicator to couple the tag to the item, when a determination is made that the given criteria is met.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.16/900,604 filed Jun. 12, 2020, which claims priority U.S. applicationSer. No. 16/220,961 filed Dec. 14, 2018, which the benefit of U.S.application Ser. No. 62/599,062 which was filed on Dec. 15, 2017, thedisclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND Statement of the Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to tag applicators. Moreparticularly, the present disclosure relates to implementing systems andmethods for applying tags to items, objects and/or merchandise.

Description of the Related Art

In Electronic Article Surveillance (“EAS”) systems, security tags arecoupled to items, objects and/or merchandise for protecting the samefrom theft and/or inventorying purposes. Current solutions for taggingitems/objects/merchandise involve: manually holding an EAS security tagbody in one hand while holding a retaining pin in the other hand; andinserting the retaining pin through the item/object/merchandise and intothe EAS security tag body located on the other side of the merchandise.

SUMMARY

The disclosure concerns systems and methods for coupling a tag to anitem. The methods comprise: dispensing the tag from a tag feeder of atag applicator; performing first operations by the tag applicator tomechanically move the tag into a nest of the tag applicator; determiningif a given criteria is met based on feedback information received fromat least one of a user of the tag applicator and a sensor provided withthe tag applicator; and performing second operations by the tagapplicator to couple the tag to the item, when a determination is madethat the given criteria is met.

In some scenarios, the tag is dispensed from the tag feeder by: causingthe tag disposed in the tag feeder to become aligned with a cavityformed in a base of the tag applicator; and allowing the tag to travelout of the tag feeder and into the cavity as a result of gravitationalforce being applied to the tag. The tag's alignment with the cavity maybe achieved by rotating the tag feeder in a clockwise orcounterclockwise direction (e.g., in cases where the tag feedercomprises a rotary cartridge).

In those or other scenarios, the movement of the tag is in one-dimensionalong a first straight line. The second operations comprise moving aplunger in one-direction along a second straight line that isperpendicular to the first straight line.

In those or other scenarios, the methods also comprise: causing the tagto rotate a certain amount while being mechanically moved towards thenest; and/or preventing reverse movement of the tag towards the tagfeeder subsequent to when the tag rests in the nest. A portion of thetag slides against a curved surface of a guide which causes the tag'srotation by the certain amount.

In those or yet other scenarios, the feedback information includes, butis not limited to, information indicating whether the tag is properlydisposed in the nest of the tag applicator, and/or informationindicating whether an item is properly located in an insert space of thetag applicator. A user of the tag applicator may be notified when adetermination is made that the given criteria is not met.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present solution will be described with reference to the followingdrawing figures, in which like numerals represent like items throughoutthe figures.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an illustrative tag applicator.

FIG. 2 is an illustration that is useful for understanding how tags areloaded into a cartridge of the tag applicator shown in FIG. 1 .

FIGS. 3-4 provide illustrations that are useful for understanding how atag is attached to an item using the tag applicator of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 5 provides illustrations of items with tag's attached thereto.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of an illustrative architecture for a base ofthe tag applicator shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 7 is an image of an illustrative foot pedestal.

FIG. 8 is an image of an illustrative palm valve.

FIG. 9 is front perspective view of another illustrative tag applicator.

FIG. 10 is a front view of the tag applicator shown in FIG. 9 with a tagfeeder removed therefrom.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the tag applicator shown in FIG. 9 with a tagfeeder removed therefrom.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the tag applicator shown in FIG. 9that is useful for understanding how a tag is moved from a tag feeder toa nest.

FIG. 13 is an illustration that is useful for understanding how a tag ismoved from a tag feeder to a nest.

FIG. 14 is an illustration that is useful for understanding how a tag ismoved from a tag feeder to a nest.

FIGS. 15-16 provide illustrations showing use of the tag applicator ofFIGS. 9-14 .

FIG. 17 is a circuit diagram of at least a portion of internalelectronics of the tag applicator shown in FIGS. 9-16 .

FIGS. 18-20 provide illustrations of an illustrative tag.

FIG. 21 is a flow diagram of an illustrative method for coupling a tagto an item using a tag applicator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments asgenerally described herein and illustrated in the appended figures couldbe arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations.Thus, the following more detailed description of various embodiments, asrepresented in the figures, is not intended to limit the scope of thepresent disclosure, but is merely representative of various embodiments.While the various aspects of the embodiments are presented in drawings,the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specificallyindicated.

The present solution may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the present solution is, therefore,indicated by the appended claims rather than by this detaileddescription. All changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, orsimilar language does not imply that all of the features and advantagesthat may be realized with the present solution should be or are in anysingle embodiment of the present solution. Rather, language referring tothe features and advantages is understood to mean that a specificfeature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with anembodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the presentsolution. Thus, discussions of the features and advantages, and similarlanguage, throughout the specification may, but do not necessarily,refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages and characteristics ofthe present solution may be combined in any suitable manner in one ormore embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, inlight of the description herein, that the present solution can bepracticed without one or more of the specific features or advantages ofa particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features andadvantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not bepresent in all embodiments of the present solution.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “anembodiment”, or similar language means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the indicatedembodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the presentsolution. Thus, the phrases “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, andsimilar language throughout this specification may, but do notnecessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

As used in this document, the singular form “a”, “an”, and “the” includeplural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unlessdefined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein havethe same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in theart. As used in this document, the term “comprising” means “including,but not limited to”.

The present solution generally concerns the application of tags to itemsfor purposes of protecting the same from unauthorized use and/orcontrolling product inventory. The tags can include, but are not limitedto, EAS security tags, RFID tags and/or hybrid EAS/RFID tags. Each ofthe listed types of tags are well known in the art, and therefore willnot be described herein. Any known or to be known EAS security tag, RFIDtag and/or hybrid EAS/RFID tag can be used herein without limitation.

Conventionally, EAS security tags have been applied to items using athree step manual process (i.e., (1) manually holding an EAS securitytag body in one hand while holding a retaining pin in the other hand,(2) inserting the retaining pin through the item, and (3) inserting theretaining pin into the EAS security tag body located on the other sideof the item). In contrast, the present solution provides a tagapplicator device that applies tags to items using a one-stepsemi-automated or automated process. The one-step semi-automated orautomated process reduces in-store tagging labor operation costs, tagshipping, inventory simplicity, and safety concerns with manual handlingof tags and retaining pins. The tag applicator can be stationary ormobile (e.g., a handheld tag reader with tag applicator functionalityincorporated therein). In the stationary scenarios, the tag applicatorcan be mounted on a support structure (e.g., a table via clamps, screws,bolts, tracks, etc. . . . ). In the mobile scenarios, the tag applicatorcan include a rechargeable battery and wireless communication capabilityfor communicating wirelessly with an enterprise system (e.g., a remoteserver) via a network (e.g., the Internet or Intranet).

In the one-step semi-automated scenarios, the tag applicator has aninsert space where a user places at least a portion of an item. Once theitem is positioned in the insert space the tag is securely coupledthereto. For example, a retaining pin is automatically inserted throughthe item and into a tag body.

In the one-step automated scenarios, the present solution provides afully automated system in which items are placed on a receiver that isauto indexed and travels through an automated tag application point atwhich the tag is coupled thereto.

In both scenarios, the tag applicator consists of four main components:a tag feeder (e.g., a magazine or cartridge into which tags are loaded,a vibratory feeder, and/or an index rotary table); a nest where a tagwill be positioned ready for application to an item; anelectromechanical or mechanical tag placer for moving the tag intoposition within the nest; and a securement mechanism driver (e.g., alinear actuator (e.g., a plunger), a solenoid and/or a motor) to couplethe tag to the item. For example, the securement mechanism driver drives(A) one tag component towards another tag component (e.g., drives aretaining pin through the item to be tagged and into the tag bodylocated under the item, drives a first snap-n-fit component towards asecond snap-n-fit component, or drives a first clamping componenttowards a second clamping component), or (B) rotates a rotatablecomponent (e.g., a cable tie, a rigid arm, etc.) around the item untilthe rotatable component is securely coupled (e.g., fastened or latched)to the tag body.

The novel features of the tag applicator include, but are not limitedto: automating the application of a tag such that the tag and/orretaining pin are never handled by a user; and tracking and managingtags via a tag feeder (e.g., cartridge) loading system designed toreduce tag waste as well as count and manage store inventory via theautomated tagging and reading process (e.g., RFID enabled tags). The tagfeeder (e.g., cartridge) loading system is a common component that canbe applied to the automated source tagging system or a “mini autotagger” designed for use in a retail environment and may hold a presetamount, thus ensuring accurate counts. Furthermore the tag feeder (e.g.,cartridge) loading systems, as a common pack, can be used for shippingaccurate and prepacked quantities of tags.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , there is provided a front perspective view ofan illustrative tag applicator 100. The tag applicator 100 is designedto be used with tags 110. Tags are well known in the art, and thereforewill not be described herein. Any known or to be known security tag,inventorying tag and/or marker can be used herein without limitation.For example, the tags 110 comprise modular security tags withretractable pins (e.g., the tag disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,734,683 toPerez). The present solution is not limited to the particulars of thisexample. The tags 102 can additionally or alternatively comprise: twopiece security tags where the tag's housing base and pin are separatecomponents (e.g., the security tag disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,390,602to Patterson et al.); security tags with rotational clips that arelatched to the security tag's housing base (e.g., the security tagsdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,803,401 to Luo and/or U.S. Pat. No.9,637,951 to Lou); snap-n-fit tags; clamping tags; and/or cable tietags.

The tag applicator 100 comprises a tag feeder 102 for receiving anddispensing tags 110. The tag feeder 102 is shown in FIG. 1 as comprisinga linear cartridge. The present solution is not limited in this regard.The tag feeder 102 can alternatively comprise a rotary cartridge (e.g.,as shown in FIGS. 9-17 ), a magazine, a vibratory feeder (e.g., acarousel and/or a funnel), and/or an index rotary table.

In the linear cartridge scenarios, the tag feeder 102 comprises a hollowreceptacle 106 with a proximal end 114 and a distal end 116. During acartridge filling process shown in FIG. 2 , the tags 110 are insertedinto the proximal end 114 of the hollow receptacle 106. In somescenarios, gravity causes the inserted tags to drop in a downwarddirection 202 towards the distal end 116 of the hollow receptacle 106.In other scenarios, the already inserted tags are forced to move in adirection towards the distal end 116 of the hollow receptacle 106 asmore tags are inserted into the hollow receptacle 106. The tags 110 arestored in the receptacle 106 in a stacked arrangement 204.

Once filled, the cartridge 102 is inserted into a cavity 112 formed inthe tag applicator's base 104, as shown in FIG. 1 . The cavity 112 issized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the cartridge's distalend 116. The cartridge 102 is structurally supported by the base 104 ina vertical arrangement such that gravity can be optionally used tofacilitate the dispensing of the tags 110 during subsequent tagapplication processes. The dispensing can be achieved using mechanical,air, magnetic/electromagnetic and/or hydraulic actuation for tagmovement.

The base 104 has an insert space 108 for receiving an item to which atag 110 should be coupled. During operation, an individual places anitem to be protected either onto an item receiver of an assembly line(not shown) or directly into the insert space 108 of the base 104. Anillustration showing an individual 302 placing an item 304 into theinsert space is provided in FIG. 3 . At this time, the tag applicator100 waits for a user-software interaction indicating that the item isproperly inserted into the insert space 108. The user-softwareinteraction can be achieved using (a) a foot pedal communicativelycoupled to the base 104 (e.g., foot pedal 700 of FIG. 7 ), (b) palmvalves (e.g., palm valve 800 of FIG. 8 ), (c) a voice command, (d) apair of anti-tie down buttons that are energized by the user when theitem is properly placed in the insert space, and/or (e) an indirectdepression of one or more buttons 120 via the item insertion into theinsert space 108 (e.g., where the push button(s) reside in the insertspace). Alternatively, the tag applicator 100 performs operations todetect when the item is properly inserted into the insert space 108.This detection can be made using a beam break sensor 122, a proximitysensor, acoustic sensor (e.g., ultrasonic), or computer vision system.

Once the tag applicator 100 has knowledge of the item's proper placementin the insert space 108, it performs actions to initiate tag applicationoperations. In some modular tag applications (i.e., where a retractablepin is secured to the security tag body), a lowest security tag isautomatically moved into a nest (not shown in FIG. 1 ) below the cavity112. This movement of the tag body can occur prior to or subsequent tothe item's insertion into insert space 108. A securement mechanismdriver (e.g., a linear actuator not shown in FIG. 1 ) is positioneddirectly above the nest. When energized, the securement mechanism driverdrives a retaining means of a first housing portion towards a secondopposing housing portion (e.g., drives a retractable pin (not shown inFIG. 1 ) out of a first housing portion of the tag, through the item tobe tagged, and into a second opposing housing portion of the tag). Thepresent solution is not limited to the particulars of this example.

As mentioned above, the present solution can also be used with two piecetags (i.e., where the tag's base and retaining pin are separatecomponents). In these scenarios, the tag applicator 100 has twocavities, namely a first cavity to receive a first feeder (e.g., acartridge) holding the tag bases and a second cavity to receive a secondfeeder (e.g., cartridge) holding the separate retaining pins. The firstand second cavities can be located at any location on the base 104 inaccordance with a particular application. For example, the first cavityis located on the lower base portion 118 such that the tag base can bemoved (in a horizontal direction) into the nest (which will reside underan item to be tagged), and the second cavity is located on the upperbase portion 116 such that the pin can be driven in a downward verticaldirection through the item and into the security tag base. The presentsolution is not limited to the particulars of this example.Alternatively, the first cavity is located on the upper base portion116, while the second cavity is located on the lower base portion 118such that the pin is driven in an upwards vertical direction rather thana downwards direction. In other scenarios, the first and second cavitiesalternatively reside on the same base portion 116 or 118.

As also mentioned above, the present solution can be used with one piecetags comprising a rotatable member. In these scenarios, the tagapplicator 100 has one cavity sized and shaped to receive a tag feeder(e.g., a cartridge) filled with one piece tags. Each tag is moved fromthe tag feeder in proximity to a respective item to be tagged. Once inproximity, the rotatable member is rotated around at least a portion ofthe item, and latched or fastened into an engaged position via alatching or fastening mechanism of the tag. The present solution is notlimited to the particulars of these scenarios.

The present solution also enables the ability to control and improvetracking of the tags 110 via the preloaded tag feeders (e.g.,cartridges) 102 and automated counts. The simple and accurate control oftags 110 are enhanced by having pre-loaded/pre-counted tag feeder packsof specific amounts ready for use at the source tagging point or asready to ship pre-packs for distribution to retailer locations. Thepre-loaded tag feeders could be further automated to sort and loadrecycled tags from the same customer. This has applicability toself-checkout kiosks where tags are collected into sealed containers.These collected tag are subsequently recycled and reloaded into the tagfeeders (e.g., cartridges). An illustrative kiosk which can be used withthe present solution is described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,734,683.

In some scenarios, the tags are collected in a tag canister comprising aplurality of chutes or columns. In order to load the tags into a tagfeeder, the tag canister is rotated manually (e.g., via a one-clutchbearing) or automatively (e.g., via a linear actuator) to differentindexed locations wherein tags are loaded into a tag feeder from thechutes/columns. When a chute/column becomes empty and the tag feeder isnot fully loaded with tags, the tag canister is rotated to a nextindexed location so that tags in another chute or column are loaded intothe tag feeder. This process is repeated until the tag feeder is fullyloaded and/or until no more tags are contained in the tag canister.Sensors can be provided to detected these two scenarios. User feedbackcan be provided (e.g., via an LED and/or display) on the tag applicator,tag feeder and/or tag canister for indicating a total number of tagloaded into each tag feeder during the tag loading process and/or thetotal number of tag remaining in the tag canister.

Referring now to FIG. 6 , there is provided a detailed block diagram ofan illustrative architecture for the tag's base 104. The base 104 mayinclude more or less components than those shown in FIG. 6 . However,the components shown are sufficient to disclose an illustrativeembodiment implementing the present solution. The hardware architectureof FIG. 6 represents one embodiment of a representative base 104configured to facilitate the automation of a tag's application to anitem. As such, the base 104 implements at least a portion of a methodfor applying a tag to an item as discussed herein. Some or all thecomponents of the base 104 can be implemented as hardware, softwareand/or a combination of hardware and software. The hardware includes,but is not limited to, one or more electronic circuits. The electroniccircuits can include, but are not limited to, passive components (e.g.,resistors and capacitors) and/or active components (e.g., amplifiersand/or microprocessors). The passive and/or active components can beadapted to, arranged to and/or programmed to perform one or more of themethodologies, procedures, or functions described herein.

As shown in FIG. 6 , the base 104 comprises a user interface 602, aCentral Processing Unit (“CPU”) 606, a system bus 610, a memory 612connected to and accessible by other portions of base 104 through systembus 610, and hardware entities 614 connected to system bus 610. The userinterface can include input devices (e.g., a keypad 650) and outputdevices (e.g., speaker 652, a display 654, and/or light emitting diodes656), which facilitate user-software interactions for controllingoperations of the base 104.

At least some of the hardware entities 614 perform actions involvingaccess to and use of memory 612, which can be a Random Access Memory(“RAM”), a disk driver and/or a Compact Disc Read Only Memory(“CD-ROM”). Hardware entities 614 can include a disk drive unit 616comprising a computer-readable storage medium 618 on which is stored oneor more sets of instructions 620 (e.g., software code) configured toimplement one or more of the methodologies, procedures, or functionsdescribed herein. The instructions 620 can also reside, completely or atleast partially, within the memory 612 and/or within the CPU 606 duringexecution thereof by the base 104. The memory 612 and the CPU 606 alsocan constitute machine-readable media. The term “machine-readablemedia”, as used here, refers to a single medium or multiple media (e.g.,a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches andservers) that store the one or more sets of instructions 620. The term“machine-readable media”, as used here, also refers to any medium thatis capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions 620for execution by the base 104 and that cause the base 104 to perform anyone or more of the methodologies of the present disclosure.

In some scenarios, the hardware entities 614 include an electroniccircuit (e.g., a processor) programmed for facilitating the tagapplication functions. In this regard, it should be understood that theelectronic circuit can access and run a software application 624installed on the base 104. The software application 624 is generallyoperative to facilitate the performance of tag application relatedoperations. Other functions of the software application 624 are apparentfrom the remaining discussion of this document.

The base 104 also comprises an interface 628 (which may be an optionalcomponent). The interface 628 facilitates communications with remotedevices, such as a foot pedestal 700 shown in FIG. 7 (e.g., via a wiredor wireless communications link), a palm valve 800 shown in FIG. 8 , oran enterprise system via a network. The network can include, but is notlimited to, the Internet, an Intranet, and/or a cellular network. Thefoot pedestal and/or palm valves provide(s) a way for an operator of thebase 104 to notify the CPU 606 that an item is properly placed in theinsert space. The foot pedestal and palm valves can constitute sensorsprovided with the tag applicator. In response to this notification, theCPU 606 initializes operations of the base 104 to attach a tag to theitem.

The base 104 further comprises at least one sensor 626 (which may be anoptional component). The sensor includes, but is not limited to, a beambreak sensor (e.g., beam break sensor 122 of FIG. 1 ) and/or a button(e.g., button 120 of FIG. 1 ). The sensor is configured to detect whenan item is properly placed in an insert space of the base 104. Upon sucha detection, the sensor notifies the CPU 606, e.g., provides feedbackinformation to the CPU. In response to this notification and/or feedbackinformation, the CPU 606 initializes operations of the base 104 toattach a tag to the item.

At least one tag placer 630 is also provided in the base 104. The tagplacer 630 includes, but is not limited to, a linear actuator, a roboticarm (e.g., an articulating arm with a gripper), a clamp, a solenoid, amotor, gears, a telescopic mechanism, a conveyer belt, a track, arotatable structure, and/or other mechanical mechanism configured toconvert energy (e.g., electricity) to create motion in one or moredirections. The tag placer 630 is generally configured to: engage a tagdispensed from the tag feeder (e.g., cartridge) and move the same intoposition within a nest such that a tag can be automatically attached toan item. For example, the tag can be (1) moved vertically downward orupward from the tag feeder (e.g., cartridge) 102 such that the tag'sinsert space (i.e., for receiving at least a portion of the item) isaligned with the item, and/or (2) moved horizontally towards the tag'sinsert space. The present solution is not limited to the particulars ofthis example. In other scenarios, the tag's body is moved so that itresides below, above or on the side of the insert space where a portionof the item is or is to be placed for tagging purposes.

A securement mechanism driver 636 is also provided to cause the tag tobe coupled to an item. In this regard, the securement mechanism driver636 is configured (a) to cause a pin to be inserted through the item andinto the tag's body, (b) to cause a first mating tag portion to be movedtowards a second mating tag portion, or (c) to cause an engagementmember of the tag to rotate until the engagement member contacts a latchor fastener disposed in the tag's body. In some scenarios, thesecurement mechanism driver 636 is configured to: drive a separate pinthrough the item and into the tag's body located above, below or to theside of the item; and/or actuate a retractable pin of the tag viarotation of a knob, depression of a button, and/or the application of amagnetic field to the tag. The knob can be rotated or the button can bedepressed by the robotic arm or other mechanical component of the base104. The magnetic field can be applied by a magnetic field generator 634provided with the base 104.

The base 104 may further comprise a scanner 634, a tag reader/writer636, a tag checker 638, and/or an energy source 640. The scanner 634 caninclude, but is not limited to, a barcode reader. A tag can beprogrammed with barcode information acquired by the scanner 634 via thetag reader/writer 636. Operations of the tag can be checked by the tagchecker 638. Additionally or alternatively, the tag's internal powersource (e.g., a capacitor or battery) can be charged via the harvestingof energy provided by the energy source 640.

Referring now to FIGS. 9-17 , there are provided illustrations that areuseful for understanding another illustrative tag applicator 900. Tagapplicator 900 comprises a tag feeder 902 and a base 904. The tag feeder902 comprises a rotary cartridge. A plurality of tags 906 are housed inthe tag feeder 902. Tags are well known in the art, and will not bedescribed here. In some scenarios, the tags 906 include, but are notlimited to, InFuzion magnetic tags available from Tyco Sensormatic ofBoca Raton, Fla.

Illustrations of tag 906 are provided in FIGS. 18-20 . As shown in FIGS.18-20 , tag 906 comprises a housing 1800 with an insert space 1900formed therein. The insert space 1900 is sized and shaped to receive atleast a portion of an item 2000 (e.g., a piece of clothing). An actuator1902 is provided with a pin (e.g., pin 1400 of FIG. 14 ) coupledthereto. In an unengaged state, the actuator 1902 extends out and awayfrom the housing 1800 as shown in FIG. 19 , and the pin resides inside afirst portion 1904 of the housing 1800. When the actuator 1902 isdepressed as shown in FIG. 20 , the pin is driven out of the firsthousing portion 1904, through the insert space 1900, and into a secondportion 1906 of the housing 1800 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 14 ). If anitem resides in insert space 1900 as shown in FIG. 20 , then the pin isdriven through the item. An end of the pin is then engaged by asecurement member (e.g., a clamp) located in the second housing portion1906. In this way, the tag 906 is securely coupled to the item 2000. Thepin is released from the securement member (e.g., a clamp) via theapplication of a magnetic field to the tag 906.

Tag 906 is shown in FIG. 20 as being manually coupled to an item 2000.The tag applicator 900 of the present solution provides an automated wayto couple the tag 906 to an item, such as item 1502 of FIG. 15 or item2000 of FIG. 20 .

With reference to FIGS. 9-17 , the tag applicator 900 comprises internalcomponents that are configured to move the tag 906 from the tag feeder902 into a nest 908 such that the tag's insert space 1900 is verticallyand horizontally aligned with the tag applicator's insert space 910 asshown in FIGS. 9-10 , i.e., the insert spaces 910 and 1900 have the samecenter horizontal axis 1000 and the same center vertical axis 1002 asshown in FIG. 10 . The movement of the tag 906 into the nest 908 canoccur prior to or subsequent to when the item is placed in the insertspace 910 of the tag applicator.

Subsequent to when an item 1802 is placed in the insert space 910 (e.g.,as shown in FIG. 18 ) of the tag applicator 900, tag applicationoperations of the tag applicator 900 are initiated when certain criteriais met. For example, the tag application operations are initiated when(a) the detection is made that the tag 906 is properly placed in thenest 908, (b) an item is properly located in the insert space 910,and/or (c) a user-software interaction is received by the tag applicator900. The user-software interaction may be achieved via a foot pedal(e.g., foot pedal 700 of FIG. 7 ) and/or a palm valve (e.g., palm valve800 of FIG. 8 ). The user-software interaction can be performed toprovide notification to the tag applicator that the item is properlylocated in the insert space 910, and/or that the user is requestingperformance of the tag application operations to couple the tag 900 tothe item.

The tag application operations involve supplying power to a plungeractuator 1220 (e.g., motor, gear(s), and/or piston). The plungeractuator 1220 actuates a plunger 1200 that is positioned directly abovethe nest 908. The plunger 1200 moves in one-dimension along a straightline 1250. In some scenarios, the plunger actuator 1220 and plunger 1200collectively comprise a Commercial Off The Shelf (“COTS”) part. Forexample, the COTS part includes an electric linear actuator having partnumber PQ12-P which is available from Actuonix Motion Devices Inc. ofVictoria, Canada. The present solution is not limited in this regard. Apneumatic actuations can be used in addition to or as an alternative toan electric linear actuator.

When actuated, the plunger 1200 applies a pushing force on the tag'sactuator 1902 in a direction towards the tag housing 1800, as shown byarrow 1202 of FIGS. 12 and 15 . In effect, the tag's actuator 1902 isdepressed whereby the pin is driven out of the first housing portion1904, through the insert space 1900, and into the second housing portion1906. An end of the pin is then engaged by a securement member (e.g., aclamp that engages a notch formed on the pin's elongate body) located inthe second housing portion 1906 (as shown in FIG. 14 ). In this way, thetag 906 is securely coupled to the item 1502, as shown in FIG. 16 .

A discussion is now provided in relation to FIGS. 12-14 to explain indetail how the tag 906 is moved from the tag feeder 902 into the nest908. First, the tag feeder 902 is rotated in a clockwise direction asshown by arrow 1204 in FIG. 12 until a tag is aligned with the cavity1206. In other scenarios, the tag feeder 902 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction. A rotation mechanism 1208 is provided to facilitatethis rotation of the tag feeder 902. The rotation mechanism 1208comprises a motor (not shown), gear(s) 1212 and/or an engagementstructure 1210 for rotatably engaging the tag feeder 902. The presentsolution is not limited in this regard. Other techniques for causingrotation of a structure can be used herein.

Once the tag 906 is aligned with the cavity 1206, it drops down into thesame as a result of a gravitational force being applied thereto as shownby arrow 1214 of FIG. 12 . In this regard, there is no structurepreventing the tag from dropping down into the cavity once alignedtherewith. The present solution is not limited in this regard. In otherscenarios, a movable plate or hinged door is provided to selectivelycontrol when the tag actually drops into the cavity.

Next, a tag placer actuator 1218 (e.g., a motor, gear(s) and/or piston)is supplied power. The tag placer actuator 1218 then causes a linear tagplacer 1216 to move linearly in a direction 1218, i.e., to move inone-dimension along a straight line 1252. Straight line 1252 isperpendicular to straight line 1250. In some scenarios, the tag placeractuator 1218 and linear tag placer 1216 collectively comprise aCommercial Off The Shelf (“COTS”) part. For example, the COTS partincludes an electric track linear actuator having a part numberFA-35-TR-12-XX which is available from Firgelli Automations of Ferndale,Wash. The present solution is not limited in this regard. A pneumaticactuations can be used in addition to or as an alternative to anelectric linear actuator.

As the linear tag placer 1216 moves in direction 1218, it applies apushing force to the tag 906. Consequently, the tag 906 is pushed intothe nest 908 through a guide 1224. As the tag 906 is being pushed by thelinear tag placer 1216 towards the nest 908, the actuator 1902 of thetag 906 slidingly engages a surface 1222 of the guide 1224. In effect,the tag 906 rotates in a direction shown by arrow 1300 of FIG. 13 .Accordingly, surface 1222 is curved so that the orientation of the tag906 is changed by a given angle (e.g., ninety degrees) as the tag'sactuator 1902 slides there against towards the nest 908. The angle ischosen so that the tag 906 is in the proper orientation when fullylocated in the nest 908 (e.g., a center axis of the tag's actuator 1902is parallel and is substantially aligned (e.g., <1 cm offset) with thecenter axis of the plunger 1200). The present solution is not limited inthis regard. In other scenarios, the tag is not rotated as discussedhere since it enters the cavity 1206 from the tag feeder 902 with theproper orientation.

When the tag 906 is fully inserted into the nest 908, a stop 1212engages a surface thereof so as to prevent reverse movement of the tagin a direction opposite to the direction shown by arrow 1218 of FIG. 12. In some scenarios, the stop 1212 includes a rigid structure that isconfigured to bend or rotate about a pivot point. In other scenarios,the stop 1212 includes a rigid structure that is resiliently biased in adirection 1202 towards the guide 1224. The resilient bias can beprovided by a spring that may or may not be integrated with the stop'srigid structure. As the tag 906 travels through the guide and into thenest, it applies an upward pushing force to the stop 1212 which causesthe stop 1212 to slide against the tag until the tag is in its finalresting position within the nest 908. At this point, the stop 1212 canno longer be pushed upwards 1254 by the tag 906, and therefore the tag906 is prevented by stop 1212 from moving in a reverse direction towardsthe cavity 1206 and tag feeder 902.

Referring now to FIG. 17 , there is provided a diagram of at least someof the internal circuit 1700 of the tag applicator 900. The tagapplicator 900 can include more or less components than that shown inFIG. 19 . In some scenarios, the tag applicator 900 includes the same orsimilar architecture as that shown in FIG. 6 for base 104.

As shown in FIG. 17 , circuit 1700 comprises an actuator supply 1702, acontroller supply 1704, controllers 1706-1710, switches 1712-1716, anRFID tag reader/writer 1718, and a barcode reader 912. The actuatorsupply 1702 supplies power to the linear feed actuator 1218 and theplunger actuator 1220. The controller supply 1704 supplies power to thecontroller(s) 1706, 1708, 1710, RFID tag reader/writer 1718, and/orbarcode reader 912.

Controller 1706 is configured to receive feedback information whenswitches 1712, 1714 and/or 1716 are closed. The feedback information caninclude, but is not limited to, sensor data indicating whether the tagis properly disposed in the nest 908, sensor data indicating whether anitem is properly located in the insert space 910, and/or data indicatingthat a user is requesting initialization of tag application operations.The sensor data can be generated by a proximity sensor (e.g., a pushbutton, a beam break sensor, etc.), a foot pedal, and/or a palm valve.The feedback information is then processed by the controller 1706 todetermine whether the tag application operations should be initiated.For example, the controller 1706 causes initiation of the tagapplication operations when (1) the tag is properly disposed in the nest908, (2) an item is properly located in the insert space 910, and (3) auser request has been received. The present solution is not limited tothe particulars of this example. More or less information can be used bythe controller to make such a determination regarding performance of thetag application operations.

The tag application operations involve: instructing a tag feedercontroller/actuator 1720 to energize the rotation mechanism 1208 suchthat the tag feeder 902 is rotated whereby a tag becomes aligned withthe cavity 1206; instructing controller 1708 to cause the linearfeedback actuator 1218 to be energized at a given time and/or for agiven period of time; instructing the controller 1710 to cause theplunger actuator 1220 to be energized at a given time and/or for a givenperiod of time.

Referring now to FIG. 21 , there is provided a flow diagram of anillustrative method 2100 for coupling a tag (e.g., tag 110 of FIG. 1 ortag 906 of FIG. 9 ) to an item using a tag applicator (e.g., tagapplicator 100 of FIG. 1 or tag applicator 900 of FIGS. 9-17 ). Method2100 begins with 2102 and continues with 2104 where the tag is caused tobecome aligned with a cavity (e.g., cavity 1206 of FIG. 12 ) formed in abase (e.g., base 904 of FIG. 9 ) of the tag applicator. In somescenarios, this alignment is achieved by (a) inserting the tag feeder(e.g., tag feeder 102 of FIG. 1 ) into a cavity (e.g., cavity 112 ofFIG. 1 ) formed in the tag applicator's base (e.g., base 104 of FIG. 1 )and/or (b) rotating a tag feeder (e.g., tag feeder 902 of FIG. 9 ) in aclockwise or counterclockwise direction.

Next in 2106, the tag is allowed to travel out of the tag feeder andinto the cavity (e.g., cavity 1206 of FIG. 12 ) as a result of agravitational force being applied thereto. In some scenarios, 2106involves moving a structure (e.g., a plate or door) that is obstructingthe cavity opening such that the tag is now able to drop into thecavity.

In 2108, a linear tag placer (e.g., linear tag placer 1216 of FIG. 12 )is used to move the tag in a direction (e.g., direction 1218 of FIG. 12) towards a nest (e.g., nest 908 of FIG. 9 ) of the tag applicator. Asthe tag is being moved towards the nest, it is optionally caused torotate a certain amount (e.g., ninety degrees). In some scenarios, thisrotation is achieved using a guide (e.g., guide 1224 of FIG. 12 ) with acurved surface (e.g., surface 1222 of FIG. 12 ) against which a portionof the tag (e.g., the tag's actuator 1902 of FIG. 19 ) is slid.

The tag is then moved into the nest as shown by 2112. Once the tag isfully disposed in the nest, it is prevented from any reverse movement ina direction towards the cavity, as shown by 2114. For example, a stop(e.g., stop 1212 of FIG. 12 ) of the tag applicator engages the tag soas to prevent such reverse movement.

In 2116, the tag applicator receives feedback information. The feedbackinformation includes information that is useful for making adetermination as to whether or not a given criteria is met. Accordingly,the feedback information includes, but is not limited to, sensor dataindicating whether the tag is properly disposed in the nest (e.g., nest908 of FIG. 9 ) of the tag applicator, sensor data indicating whether anitem is properly located in the insert space (e.g., insert space 910 ofFIG. 9 ) of the tag applicator, and/or data indicating that a user isrequesting initialization of tag application operations.

If a determination is made that the criteria is not met [2120:NO], then2122 is performed where a person is notified of the same. Method 2100also returns to 2122.

If a determination is made that the criteria is met [2120:YES], then2124 is performed where a securement mechanism driver (e.g., securementmechanism driver 636 of FIG. 6 or plunger 1200 of FIG. 12 ) is used todrive one tag component (e.g., pin 1400 of FIG. 14 ) towards another tagcomponent (e.g., second housing portion 1906 of FIG. 19 ). In 2126,various actions can be optionally taken for inventory managementpurposes. For example, the tag actuator can perform operations to readinformation from a tag (e.g., a tag identifier), write information tothe tag (e.g., item level information such a Universal Product Code(“UPC”), item price and/or item description), incrementing a counter(e.g., indicating that another item of a particular type has a tagcoupled thereto and is placed on a store floor), and/or reading abarcode attached to an item to which the tag is coupled. Subsequently,2128 is performed where method 2100 ends or other processing isperformed (e.g., return to 2104).

Although the present solution has been illustrated and described withrespect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations andmodifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the readingand understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. Inaddition, while a particular feature of the present solution may havebeen disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, suchfeature may be combined with one or more other features of the otherimplementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given orparticular application. Thus, the breadth and scope of the presentsolution should not be limited by any of the above describedembodiments. Rather, the scope of the present solution should be definedin accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for coupling a tag to an item,comprising: dispensing the tag from a tag feeder of a tag applicator;moving the dispensed tag through a cavity of the tag applicator into anest of the tag applicator; engaging the tag with a mechanical stop ofthe tag applicator that resists movement of the tag away from the nestsubsequent to the tag being moved into the nest; determining if acriterion is met in the tag applicator; and coupling the tag to the itembased on a determination that the criterion is met.
 2. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein the dispensing comprises: causing the tagdisposed in the tag feeder to become aligned with the cavity; and movingthe tag out of the tag feeder and into the cavity as a result of one ora combination of: mechanical force; air; magnetic force; electromagneticforce; gravitational force; or hydraulic actuation.
 3. The methodaccording to claim 2, wherein an alignment of the tag with the cavity isachieved by rotating the tag feeder.
 4. The method according to claim 1,wherein the moving of the tag is substantially in one-dimension along afirst substantially straight line.
 5. The method according to claim 4,wherein coupling the tag to the item comprises moving a plunger along asecond straight line that is substantially perpendicular to the firststraight line.
 6. The method according to claim 1, further comprisingcausing the tag to orientate about a horizontal axis while being movedtowards the nest such that an orientation of a center axis of anelongate aperture formed in the tag for receiving a pin is aligned witha center axis of a plunger.
 7. The method according to claim 6, whereina portion of the tag slides against a curved surface of a guide thatcauses orientation of the tag.
 8. The method according to claim 1,wherein the criterion comprises feedback information indicating at leastone of whether the tag is properly disposed in the nest of the tagapplicator, whether an item is properly located in an insert space ofthe tag applicator, or whether the user is requesting initialization ofa tag application operation.
 9. The method according to claim 1, furthercomprising generating a notification based on a determination that thecriterion is not met.
 10. The method according to claim 1, whereinmoving the tag comprises moving the tag using one or a combination of: amechanical tag placer; or an electromechanical tag placer.
 11. Themethod according to claim 1, further comprising maintaining a count ofstore inventory of tags using, at least in part, the tag feeder.
 12. Themethod according to claim 1, wherein the tag feeder comprises one or acombination of: a linear cartridge; a rotary cartridge; a magazine; avibratory feeder; or index rotary table.
 13. The method according toclaim 1, wherein moving the tag comprises receiving the tag in a firstcavity portion extending in a first direction, and transferring the tagalong a second cavity portion extending in a second direction toward thenest, wherein the second direction is different from the firstdirection.
 14. The method according to claim 1, wherein coupling the tagto the item comprises one or more of: causing a pin to be insertedthrough the item and into a body of the tag; causing a first mating tagportion to be moved towards a second mating tag portion; and causing anengagement member of the tag to rotate until the engagement membercontacts a latch or a fastener disposed in the body of the tag.
 15. Themethod according to claim 14, further comprising one or more of: drivinga separate pin through the item and into the body of the tag locatedabove, below or to a side of the item; or actuating a retractable pin ofthe tag via one or more of rotation of a knob, depression of a button,or application of a magnetic field to the tag.
 16. The method accordingto claim 1, wherein the mechanical stop is bendable, rotatable orresiliently biased to resist the movement of the tag away from the nestsubsequent to the tag being moved into the nest.
 17. A tag applicator,comprising: a tag feeder configured to dispense a tag; a tag placerconfigured to move the tag in a cavity of the tag applicator into a nestof the tag applicator; a mechanical stop configured to engage the tag,the mechanical stop moves relative to the tag during a first movementinto the nest to resist a second movement of the tag away from the nestsubsequent to the tag being moved into the nest; a sensor configured togenerate feedback information; a processor configured to determine if acriterion is met based on the feedback information; and a securementmechanism configured to couple the tag to an item, wherein thesecurement mechanism is actuated when a determination is made that thecriterion is met.
 18. The tag applicator according to claim 17, whereinthe tag is dispensed by: aligning the tag with the cavity formed in thetag applicator; and moving the tag out of the tag feeder and into thecavity as a result of one or a combination of: mechanical force; air;magnetic force; electromagnetic force; gravitational force; or hydraulicactuation.
 19. The tag applicator according to claim 17, wherein analignment of the tag with the cavity is achieved by rotating the tagfeeder.
 20. The tag applicator according to claim 17, wherein the tag ismovable in one-dimension along a first straight line.
 21. The tagapplicator according to claim 20, wherein the securement mechanismcomprises a plunger that is movable in one-direction along a secondstraight line that is perpendicular to the first straight line.
 22. Thetag applicator according to claim 17, further comprising a guideconfigured to cause the tag to orientate about a horizontal axis whilebeing mechanically moved towards the nest such that an orientation of acenter axis of an elongate aperture formed in the tag is aligned with acenter axis of a plunger.
 23. The tag applicator according to claim 22,wherein a portion of the tag slides against a curved surface of theguide which causes orientation of the tag.
 24. The tag applicatoraccording to claim 17, wherein the feedback information comprises atleast one of information indicating whether the tag is properly disposedin the nest of the tag applicator, information indicating whether anitem is properly located in an insert space of the tag applicator, orinformation indicating that a user is requesting initialization of a tagapplication operation.
 25. The tag applicator according to claim 17,wherein the processor is further configured to generate a notificationbased on a determination that the criterion is not met.
 26. The tagapplicator according to claim 17, wherein the tag placer comprises oneor a combination of a mechanical tag placer; or an electromechanical tagplacer.
 27. The tag applicator according to claim 17, further comprisingthe tag feeder configured to maintain a count of store inventory of tagsusing, at least in part, the tag feeder.
 28. The tag applicatoraccording to claim 17, wherein the tag feeder comprises one or acombination of a linear cartridge; a rotary cartridge; a magazine; avibratory feeder; or index rotary table.
 29. The tag applicatoraccording to claim 17, wherein the tag placer configured to move the tagin the cavity of the tag applicator towards a nest of the tag applicatorcomprises the tag placer further configured to receive the tag in afirst cavity portion extending in a first direction, and transfer thetag along a second cavity portion extending in a second direction towardthe nest, wherein the second direction is different from the firstdirection.
 30. The tag applicator according to claim 17, wherein thesecurement mechanism driver is further configured to perform one or moreof: cause a pin to be inserted through the item and into a body of thetag; cause a first mating tag portion to be moved towards a secondmating tag portion; and cause an engagement member of the tag to rotateuntil the engagement member contacts a latch or a fastener disposed inthe body of the tag.
 31. The tag applicator according to claim 30,wherein the securement mechanism driver is further configured to performone or more of: drive a separate pin through the item and into the bodyof the tag located above, below or to a side of the item; or actuate aretractable pin of the tag via one or more of rotation of a knob,depression of a button, or application of a magnetic field to the tag.